A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Southampton vs. Galway for Nightlife, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Southampton or Galway?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Southampton or Galway? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Southampton

Southampton is a up-and-coming, waterfront, and dynamic port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Galway

Galway is a vibrant, lively, and friendly city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Southampton and Galway: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Southampton or Galway?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Galway than Southampton. While Southampton is larger than Galway, Galway has more sights and attractions for tourists. Galway is very popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Southampton attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Southampton is famous for its popularity as a cruise ship port as well as its focus watersports. Galway is famous for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music. It is also well known for The Galway Market.

How is Southampton different from Galway?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Galway and Southampton. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Southampton or Galway?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Southampton and Galway.

Southampton offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Museums are a favorite activity in town. There are a surprising number of options including SeaCity Museum, the Tudor House and Garden, and Southampton City Art Gallery.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Galway. Popular landmarks and sights in town include Eyre Square, St. Nicholas' Church, the Galway Cathedral, and the Galway City Museum.

Is the Food Better in Southampton or Galway? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Southampton and Galway can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

Southampton has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. While most people used to pass through Southampton on their way somewhere else, the city now offers a dynamic food scene with local restaurants mixed with international options and even fine dining.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Galway area. There are local pubs and traditional restaurants offering authentic Irish dishes. Popular options include Irish Stew, Cockles and Mussels, and Galway Oysters.

Is Southampton or Galway Better for Nightlife?

Galway is a great city for nightlife and partying. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Galway has something for everybody. The nightlife scene is among the best in Ireland. The city embraces the friendly Irish hospitality and there are laid back pubs and bars around town as well as a few trendy nightclubs.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Southampton. The nightlife scene is filled with restaurants, pubs, and bars as well as a few nightclubs mixed in.

Is the Shopping Better in Southampton or Galway?

If you're looking to go shopping, Southampton and Galway both offer plenty of nice spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Southampton. The city has two indoor shopping centers, as well as a range of markets and several independent vendors.

Many visitors go to Galway to go shopping. You'll find shopping both in the city center as well as at suburban shopping malls. For some of the best shopping head to The Latin Quarter, The Westend or the outdoor market which is found in Church lane by St Nicholas' Church.

Is Southampton or Galway Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Southampton or Galway.

Southampton offers lots of family activities. This cruise port city offers a handful of fascinating activities for kids including learning about the Mayflower and the Titanic. There are also many parks and gardens as well as the Mayflower Theater, which regularly has kid-family productions.

Galway is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the National Aquarium Galway or simply wandering around the Latin Quarter. About 15 minutes outside of the city is the Wildlands Adventure Park which has ziplines, ropes courses, and other adrenaline filled activities. Brigit's Garden is another fun place to let kids stretch their legs.

Is Southampton or Galway Better for Couples?

Southampton is notable for romance. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Southampton is a very popular place to visit for couples. Museums, parks, gardens, and chartered boats all offer a romantic experience for couples visiting the area.

Galway makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are nice restaurants, beautiful walks, and a few parks to explore. There are also several romantic places just outside of town that make for a great day trip.

Is Southampton or Galway Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Galway is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Many backpackers visit Galway. There are plenty of hostels in the area and it's easy to meet other travelers.

Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Southampton or Galway Better for Students?

Galway is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Southampton is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Galway. The city has a solid student population with a number of activities and entertainment options.

Southampton is not popular with students.

Is Southampton or Galway Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Galway is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Southampton is not known for its public transit.

While Galway offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are two bus companies in Galway, Bus Eireann and City Direct.

Public transit is generally limited in Southampton. There are buses around town that make some areas accessible even without a car.

Is Southampton or Galway a more walkable city?

Galway is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its ease of walking around.

Galway is a very walkable city. If you stay in central Galway, the area is generally compact and walkable.

Southampton is a somewhat walkable port city. It's possible to walk in parts of Southampton but in general it's easier to take a taxi.

For even more information, also check out Is Southampton Worth Visiting? and Is Galway Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Galway or Southampton?

How long in Southampton or Galway?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Southampton and Galway. In our opinion, Galway has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Galway than Southampton. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Southampton, and 2-3 days is enough time in Galway.

Families should spend more time in Galway than Southampton. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Galway, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Southampton than Galway. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Southampton that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Galway than Southampton if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Galway.

One day in Southampton or Galway?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Southampton. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Galway. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Southampton or Galway?

Southampton is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the lively destination of Galway. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Southampton or Galway?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Southampton. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The historical city of Galway offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Southampton or Galway?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the up-and-coming destination of Southampton. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Galway. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best Budget Tours to Ireland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Southampton and Galway, we can see that Southampton is more expensive. And not only is Galway much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Galway would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Galway and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Southampton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Southampton than you might in Galway.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Southampton Expensive? and Is Galway Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Southampton or Galway?

Southampton has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Galway. When comparing the sizes of Southampton and Galway, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Southampton or Galway?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Southampton or Galway in the Summer?

Both Galway and Southampton during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Southampton in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Galway for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Southampton is generally a little warmer than Galway. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 18°C (64°F), and Galway fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the summer, Southampton often gets more sunshine than Galway. Southampton gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 142 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets less rain in July than Galway. Southampton gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Galway receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Southampton or Galway in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Southampton and Galway. Most visitors come to Southampton for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Galway because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Southampton is around the same temperature as Galway in the autumn. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Galway fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Southampton usually receives more sunshine than Galway during autumn. Southampton gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 96 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Galway receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Southampton usually receives less rain than Galway. Southampton gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Galway receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Southampton or Galway in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Southampton as well as Galway. The winter months attract visitors to Southampton because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Galway this time of year.

The weather in Southampton can be very cold. In the winter, Southampton is cooler than Galway. Typically, the winter temperatures in Southampton in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Galway averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Southampton often gets less sunshine than Galway. Southampton gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Galway receives 59 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Galway. Southampton usually gets less rain in January than Galway. Southampton gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Galway receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Southampton or Galway in the Spring?

Both Galway and Southampton are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Southampton this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Galway for the activities around the city.

In April, Southampton is generally around the same temperature as Galway. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 9°C (48°F), and Galway fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Southampton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Galway during spring. Southampton gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Galway receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Southampton usually receives less rain than Galway. Southampton gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Galway receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Galway and Southampton